Planter



Inven 202.".

4 Sheets-Sheet 1.

Patentd Sept. 3

. Ji -i5 PLANTER.

J. H. ELWARD;

Witnesses.-

(N5 Model.)

(No Model.) 4 Shets-Sheet 2.

J1 1H; ELWARD.

PLANTER. No. 545,582. 5 Patented Sept. 3, 1895.

I E v mtn' sesn @(QQLLJH.

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet a.

J. H. ELWARD.

PLANTER.

No. 545,552. Patented Sept. 5-, 1895.

(No Model.) 7 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

J. H. ELWARD.

PLANTER.

' In ventor.

Witnesses UNITED STATES PAT NT OFFICE.

JOHN H.'ELWARD, OF WHITEWATER, WISCONSIN.

PLANTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 545,582, dated September 3, 1895.

Application filed January 27, 1888. Serial No. 262,165. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN H. ELWARD, a.-citizen of the United States, residing at White-' the following is a specification, reference be-v ing had therein to the accompanying drawlugs. 1 This invention relates to improvements in planters and fertilizer-distributers, it pertaining more particularly to machines used in the planting of one or the other of two kinds of seeds.

Figure 1 is aside view'of my improved planter. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section showing the parts in the positions occupied when planting cotton. Fig. 3 is a similar section showing them in the positions occupied when planting corn. Fig. 4 is arear view. Fig. 5 is aplan view. Fig. 6 is a section on the line war, Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a section on the line y y, Fig. 1.- Fig. 8 is a bottom view. Fig. 9 is a view, detached, of the cover for the cotton-seedfeeding wheel. the adjustable plate. Fig. 11 is a crosssection on the line 00' 00, Fig. 10. Fig. 11 is a section of Fig.8, showing the feed cut-oft. Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section of the main parts of a modified form of the machine. Fig. 13 is a plan view of that in Fig. 12. Fig. 14. is a vertical section. on the line .2 2, Fig. 12. Fig. 15 is a longitudinal section of that in Fig. 12 when arranged for planting corn. Fig. 16 is a side view of the machine shown in Figs. 12 and 15. Figs. 17 and 18 are'longitudinal sections of a modification of the forms shown in Figs. 1 and 3; Figs. 19 and 20, detail views.

Inasmuch as the machine illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11, considered as a whole and also considered in respect to most of its details, is shown and described in a patent granted to me November 15, 1887, No. 319,256, it is not necessary to herein describe at length all of the parts in detail of the machine shown in the said figures; but in order that the machine as a 'whole may be understood all of the parts thereof will be referred to, and for a more specific understanding of each detail reference may be made to the aforesaid patent. g

The main frame has side bars -A A, joined Fig. 10 is a view, detached, of

- rugations at 2 to firmly grip the wire.

by a plate B, which supports the hopper. I have shown a double hopper-one compartment for seed and one for fertilizer-th0ugh use may be made of the seed-hopper alone.

The fertilizer-hopper is indicated by F and the seed-hopper by G, the three cross-walls being indicated by c c 0 The hopper G is adapted to carryeither of several kinds of seed and is provided with two force-feed mechanisms.

For planting cotton I employ the following devices: I is a cottonseed-feeding wheel situated vertically and secured to a shaft 1 mounted in bearings on the main frame. This wheel has radially-projecting feed-fingers '1; i. The hopper is provided with a passage in its rear wall for the feed-fingers and with an opening or passage for the same in its bottom, as shown at g. The hopper-wall by the sides of the wheel is preferably carried forward somewhat,as shown at g The shaft 1 has a chainwheel I, and with it a sprocket-chain T engages, which is driven from the ground-wheel A, the axle of the latter having a chain-wheel A When the ground-wheel A is revolving, the shaft I will be also revolving and the feed-fingers t' i will be caused to successively penetrate the rear wall and the bottom of the hopper. As they pass through they engage with the cotton-seed and force it downward. Any suitable mechanism may be combined with the wheel to act as a cut-ofi for the seed. I prefer the one shown, it comprising the rollers Z Z, mounted upon springs'z 2, said springs being secured-to the frame, as in Fig. 8, or to the bottom plate B. As shown in Fig; 11, they are held in place by means of a clamp Z, this clamp having recesses at z and cor- The reoesses at z are flared somewhat to permit the springs to yield. 'In' the last said figure these clamps are secured to the bottom plate; but they may be secured to the side bars of the frame, if preferred. As the feed-fingers M press the seed downward the cut-offrollers yield and revolve sufficiently to permit charges of the seed to pass through; but they also act to prevent the accidental dropping of the seed from the hopper.

While I herein claim the features incident to this cut-off device which are novel and patentable, I do not limit the other parts of the construction thereto, as use may be made of any equivalent form of cut-off, in combination with the other parts.

In order to advance the cotton-seed downward through the hopper, I prefer'to employ an agitating device. That shown comprises a shaft H, with a driving sprocket-wheel II and agitating-arms h. The chain T can be passed around wheel 11, and, when moving, rotates shaft H.

In order to vary the quantity of cottonseed that is being forced downward by the fingers, I construct the rear Wall G so that it can be moved in or out and clamped in one of several positions. By moving it in the parts at g are placed so as to cover more of the feed-fingers M, the projecting parts of the latter being thereby reduced, and, on the contrary, the amount of feed can be increased by moving said wall G backward. As shown, the clamping is effected by means of ears g slotted at g and provided with bolts 9 and thumb-screws g Instead of these any equivalent manner of adjusting the feed can be followed.

when themechanism for feeding seed other than cotton-seed is at work, I cover the cotton-seed wheel I by a shield or cover R. (Shown in Fig. 9.) It can be slipped into place over the inward-projecting part of the wheel and is held fast by pins g.

In the bottom of the hopper there is arranged a corn-feeding mechanism. It comprises a revolving dropping-wheel K, having apertures 70, which can successively receive charges of corn and carry them under the cut-off at 0, where they register with an exit 10 below. Above the wheel there is placed a detachable ring K, and it is held in place by pivoted clips 71?. IVheel K is supported on a plate K held by clips the plate having a sleeve 75*, in which is fitted a pin is, carried by plate K This plate has bevel-teeth k which engage with wheel L on shaft L. Shaft L carries a sprocket-wheel L.

WVhen the corn-feeding mechanism is in use, the chain T is connected with the wheel L, it being at that time disengaged from the wheels H and I. The shaft L, through wheel L and teeth 70 rotates plate K The charges of corn in the apertures 70 are carried one after another under the cut-0d and dropped into the spout M. Any suitable form ofcut-ofi may be used. The one shown in Fig. 11 has two yielding plates or rounded blocks 0 0, pivoted at 0 in a cover or holder 0, which latter is fastened, preferably, to the ring K. O is a spring between the parts 0 o, tending to hold them down upon the plate K and yet adapted to yield sufiiciently to allow the grains of the seed to pass under without harm.

I am aware of the fact that sliding or reciprocating corn-dropping bars have been used and that in connection therewith use has been made of cottonseed-agitating devices situated entirely inside of the hopper, and I do not claim such mechanism as of my invention; but I believe myself to be the first to have provided the farmer with an implement of the character of that herein describedthat is to say, a seed-carrying hopper adapted to carry either one or anotherof different kinds of seeds, it having a corn-dropping mechanism, which can be thrown into and out of action, and having also combined with it a cotton-seed-feeding wheel, which penetrates or moves through the bottom of the hopper without in any wise interfering with the aforesaid corn-dropping mechanism, so that said wheel can be utilized to positively force charges of cotton-seed through said bottom, and which wheel can be thrown into and out of action at any timeand also the first to have combined with a single hopper a corn-dropping mechanism which can be thrown into and out of action and a cotton-seed-feedin g wheel mounted on a shaft behind the hopper and arranged to penetrate or move through both the rear wall and the bottom of the hopper, together with a removable cover which can be applied in such way as to prevent the inward-projecting parts of the cottonseed-feeding wheel from coming into contact with the corn or other seed.

Heretofore use has been made of numerous devices for opening flirrows to receive seed, and also numerous devices for covering and packing the soil upon them, and any such well-known devices can be combined with the mechanisms above described. I have shown an opening-shovel at a a scraper Q, a packer R, and a coverer S, these being respectively mounted on bars or carriers q r 8. So, too, there are many known ways of distributing fertilizer. I have shown a shaft E, with hubs 6, having stirringarms e, and in the bottom of the hopper sliding plates D D, adjustable by means of thread ed rods (1, engaging loosely with ears d and with nuts or with the walls of apertures in the frame-bars.

C 0 indicate the handles by which the machine can be guided; but these may be varied to suit the machine to which the essential parts of the present invention are applied.

I do not herein claim any of the combinations which are claimed in my other applications, Serial Nos. 223,354, and 249,767.

I am aware of the fact that a sliding hopper has been mounted on a main frame ofa planter and that with it has been combined a cotton seed-feeding wheel which penetrates the rear wall and the bottom. In the present construction the length of the inward-projecting parts of the feed-fingers is variable independently of any movement of the hopper relatively to the main frame to regulate the feed.

In order to carry out some of the ends of the present invention it is not necessary that the seed-carrying chamber G shall be of exactly the construction shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The seed may be carried in one or the other of two compartments, from one of which the feeding-,

devices for withdrawing the corn can successively take the charges thereof, and yet the parts may be so constructed and arranged that the cottonseed-feeding mechanism shall be idle when the corn-feeding parts arein opera tion. In Figs. 12 to 17 forms of the machine are shown adapted to this end.

Inasmuch as a machine of the character of that illustrated in Figs. 12 to 15 was fully shown and described by me in an earlier applicatiori-to wit, Serial No. 258,705, filed December 22, 1887it will not be necessary to herein describe all of the details involved in such a construction. The said machine in Figs. 12- to 15 clearly illustrates one of the matters of invention herein claimed-to wit, the removable partition or division-board in the hopper. This feature of construction is also illustrated in the remaining figures hereinto wit, 17 and 18.

In Figs. 12 to 15 the seed-carrying hopper, as a whole, comprises two compartments G G The wall- 0' is in this case wholly or partially removable, so that the compartments G G can be enlarged, if desired. This is not essential and the whole of'the wall 0' can be fastened rigidly in place, as is the lower part thereof illustrated in Figs. 12 and 15.

In a machine of this character I prefer to combine in one wheel the devices to feed the corn and those for forcing out the cottonseed. The latter consist of fingers t', whichcan be projected beyond the periphery, as

shown in Figs. 12 to 14, or can have their ends made flush with the periphery, as in Fig. 15. Corn-cavities can be provided, as at it, there being apertures or sockets in the periphery of the wheel, in which are fitted nuts. I

In Fig. 17 the last-described feature of construction is preserved in a machine like that in Figs. 2 and 3. The partition 0' is arranged so that it. lies between the two feed mechanisms, which latter in the details of their construction are substantially the same'as those in said Figs. 2 and 3. This partition 0' may be movable, like that in Figs112 and 15, so that the hoppers may be enlarged in case it should be desirable.

I do not herein claim those specific features of construction shown in Figs. 17-and 18, which relate to the combination of the movable partition c with the particular form of corn-dropping mechanism and cotton-seedfeeding mechanism also shown in said figures, although I do claim those features which are found in the construction in said figures in common with such a construction as that illustrated in Figs. 1,2, and 3 and that in Figs. 12 to 15, inclusive.

What I claim is- 1. A planting mechanism having a main.

, or move through the bottom of the hopper independently of the corn feeding mechanism whereby they can positively force charges of cotton seed through it, the said corn feeding mechanism and cotton. feeding wheel being each adapted to have all of its parts thrown out of action when the other is operating, substantially as described.

2. A planting mechanism having a main frame, a seed hopper secured to said frame, a corn feeding mechanism connected with said hopper and adapted to be supplied from the chamber therein, and a cotton seed feeding Wheel mounted on a shaft outside of the hop perchamber and having seed forcing fingers which penetrate or pass through one of the walls of the hopper in entering the same and which penetrate or pass through the bottom of the hopper in passing out therefrom, the said corn feeding mechanism and cotton seed feeding wheel being each adapted to have all of its parts thrown-out of action when the other is operating, substantially as described.

3. The cotton planting mechanism entering the main frame, a seed hopper secured to the said frame, a corn feeding mechanism connected with said hopper and adapted to be supplied from the chamber therein, and a cotton seed feeding wheel mounted on a shaft in rear and outside of the hopperand directly behind the corn feeding mechanism and hav-- ing forcing fingers which penetrate or pass through the rear wall of the hopper in entering the same and penetrate or pass through the bottom of the hopper in passing out therefrom, whereby they can positively force charges of cotton seed out from the same seed chamber through the bottom thereof, the said corn feeding mechanism and cotton feeding wheel being each adapted to have all of its parts thrown out of action when the other is operating, substantially as described.

4. A planting mechanism having a main frame, a hopper secured to said frame having a seed chamber, a corn feeding mechanism connected with said hopper and adapted to be supplied from said chamber, a cotton seed feeding wheel mounted on a shaft in rear and outside of said hopper, a shaft mounted below the corn feeding mechanism parallel to the aforesaid shaft, and provided with a wheel for operating the corn feeding mechanism, the said two parallel shafts being adapted to be alternately engaged with a driving wheel, substantially as described.

5. A planting mechanism having a main frame, a hopper secured to said frame and having a seed chamber, a horizontally mounted, revolving corn feeding plate connected with said hopper, and adapted to be supplied from said chamber, and a cotton seed feeding wheel mounted on a shaft outside and in rear of the said hopperrand adapted to revolve partially within the same, a shaft mounted directly below the aforesaid corn feeding mechanism and parallel to the last aforesaid shaft, and having a wheel connected with a revolving corn dropping plate and a driving mechanism adapted to be detachably engaged alternately with the two said parallel shafts, substantially as described.

6. A planting mechanism having a main frame, a hopper rigidly secured to said frame having a seed chamber,a corn feeding mechanism connected with said hopper and adapted to be supplied from said chamber, and a cotton seed feeding wheel mounted on a shaft outside of said hopper and having forcing fingers which move into the said chamber through the rear wall and out therefrom through the bottom, the length of the inward projecting parts of the said fingers being va riable, substantially as set forth, the said corn feeding mechanism and cotton feeding wheel being each adapted to have all of its parts thrown out of action when the other is operating, substantially as described.

7. In aplanter, the combination with amain frame and a seed receptacle rigidly secured to said frame and having a wall plate provided with a wheel aperture, of a cotton seed feed wheel, the said wheel and wall plate being adjacent to each other, and one being adj ustable relatively to the other, substantially as set forth, independently of any movement of the hopper relatively to the frame to vary that part of the wheel which projects through the aperture in the said plate, substantially as set forth.

8. In a planter, the combination with the feed forcing wheel feeding fingers, of the adjustable plate adjacent to the wheel and movable relatively to both the said fingers and the seed receptacle, substantially as set forth.

9. In aplanter, the combination with the seed receptacle and the feed forcing wheel arranged to intersect one of the walls of the receptacle, said wall having a passage way for the wheel and fastening mechanism for said wall adapted to permit it to be moved relatively to the said seed receptacle to adjust it in relation to the feed wheel, substantially as set forth.

10. A planting mechanism having a seed carrying receptacle with two compartments, two alternately acting seed feeding mechanisms, one for cotton and the other for corn, one taking its charges of seed from one of said compartments and the'other from the other compartment and each adapted to be thrown out of operation when the other is acting and both being permanently secured to the said seed receptacle, substantially as described.

11. A planting mechanism having a seed carrying receptacle with two seed compartments, a vertically arranged force feed wheel for cotton having fingers passing through the rearwall of one of said seed compartments and corn carrying devices arranged to travel in proximity to the bottom of the other seed compartment, both said seed feeding mechanisms being permanently secured in position, and each being adapted to be operated when the other is thrown out of action, substantially as described.

12. A planting mechanism having a seed carrying receptacle with two seed compartments, a force feed mechanism for cotton seed mounted outside of the said seed carrying receptacle and having its feeding devices arranged to take charges of seed from one of said compartments, and corn feeding mechanism situated inside of the other of said compartments, and a movable partition between the seed compartments, the seed feeding mechanisms being adapted to be alternately thrown into and out of action, substantially as set forth.

13. A planting mechanism having a seed carrying receptacle with two seed compartments, a vertically moving feed wheel mounted at the rear of said receptacle and having teeth to force charges of seed from one compartment, a horizontally arranged seed wheel in the other compartment said seed wheels being actuated alternately, apower mechanism alternately connected with said seed wheels, a removable partition between said compartments, and a common feed spout below and receiving material from both of said compartments, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN H. ELWARD.

Witnesses:

0. J. PARTRIDGE, J. A. PARTRIDGE. 

